A mother and her nine-year-old son were rescued after being stranded for over 24 hours in California’s remote Sierra Nevada wilderness. They had left Sacramento for Camp Wolfeboro last Friday, but didn’t return or respond to phone calls. After a missing persons report was filed, Calaveras County deputies launched a search operation.
The breakthrough came on Saturday, when campers reported seeing a matching vehicle and searchers later found handwritten SOS notes at a Forest Service road junction. The notes read, “HELP. Me and my son are stranded... can’t call 911” and instructed rescuers to follow brown fabric strips to find them. Following these directions, the search team located the pair near their disabled vehicle.
Rescuers freed the vehicle and escorted the mother and son back safely. The Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office credits the successful rescue to the family’s use of clear messages, hazard lights, and a whistle signaling for help. They also stress the importance of letting others know your travel plans and expected return time.
Source: TODAY